He Took My Whipping For Me

In the mountains of Virginia years ago there was a Boy's School class which no teacher
could handle. The boys were so rough that the teachers resigned. A young grey-haired
teacher applied for the job. The old school director scanned him up and down, then said,
"Young fellow, do you know what you are asking for?" An awful beating, that's what. Every
teacher we've had up there just gives up in defeat." The young teacher replied, "I'll risk
it. Let me try."

Well, when he appeared for duty in the little school, one big fellow, Russell,
whispered out loud, "I won't ned any help; I can lick him myself."

The teacher said, "Good morning. We have come to conduct school." The students yelled a
sarcastic "Good morning" back at the teacher at the top of their lungs. "Now I want a good
school," the teacher continued, "but I confess, I don't know how unless you help me.
Suppose we have a few rules. You tell me and I'll write them on the blackboard." One
fellow yelled, "No stealin'!" Another chipped in "On time!" Finally then rules appeared on
the board. "Now," said the teacher, "a law is no good unless there is a penalty attached.
What shall we do with the one who breaks them?" "Beat him across the back ten times
without his coat on!" came the shout: "That's pretty severe punishment, boy. Are you ready
to stand by it?" A yell in the affirmative greeted the teacher. "Alright," said the
teacher, "then school comes to order."

Ina day or so "Big Russell' found his dinner was stolen. Upon inquiry the theif was
locatted--a little hungry fellow about ten. The next morning the teacher announced, "We
have found a theif and he must be punished according to your rule--ten stripes 'cross the
back! Jim, come up here!"

The trembling little fellow came up slowly with a big coat, buttoned and pinned up
around his neck. He pleaded, "Teacher, you can lick me as hard as you like, but please
don't make me take off my coat."

"You helped make the rule," reasoned the teacher. "Take the coat off."

"Oh, teacher, don't make me!" he begged. But the teacher's stern face displayed no
leniency, so he began to unbutton. And what did the teacher behold? The lad had no shirt
on, and only strings for suspenders over his little bony body.

"How can I whip this boy?" thought the teacher. "But I must do something if I am to
keep this class' respect." Everything was quiet as death. "How come you came to school
without a shirt, Jim?" asked the teacher.

"My father died, and we ain't got much. I only have one shirt, and mother's washing it
today, so I wore my brother's coat to keep warm." With the sigh of a heavy heart, the
teacher hesitatingly grasped the rod in his hand. Just then, 'Big Russell' jumped to his
feet and said, "Teacher, if you don't mind, I'll take Jim's licking for him."

"Very well, there is a certain law that says that one can take another's punishment for
him. Are you all agreed?" With the class' consent, Russell removed his coat, and after
five hard strokes the rod broke. The teacher bowed his head and thought, "How can I finish
this awful task?"

Then he heard the entire class sobing and what did he see? Little Jim had reached up
and caught Russell with both arms around his neck. "Russell, I'm awful sorry...Russell, I
was so hungry. I'll love you 'til I die for taking my licking for me. Yes! I'll love you
forever!"